Your Passport to the Spotlight

$25,000 cash prize

Bonjour, jet-setter. One knockout model and her plus-one will win the trip of a lifetime—New York, Paris, and Milan—plus $25,000 cash and a feature in Maxim Magazine.

🧳 6-Day Dream Trip Across France and Italy
📸 NYC Photoshoot + Influencer Masterclass
💸 $25,000 in Cash
📰 Feature in Maxim Magazine (Print + Digital)

🎬 Self-Directed Travel Vlog Featured by Maxim

Not Just a Getaway—It’s Your Glow-Up

First stop? New York City, where you’ll step in front of the lens for a professional photoshoot and join Maxim’s social team for an exclusive 1-on-1 influencer masterclass. Think angles, editing, lighting, shoot planning—the works.

Then we fly you and your plus-one straight to France and Italy. You’ll spend six days across Paris and Milan—sipping espresso, shooting street style, and living like a fashion icon. Oh, and you’ll be filming it all.

This is more than a trip—it’s your content era. You’re not just in the spotlight… you are the spotlight.

“My Life Changed Forever”

Woman in elegant black dress standing beside luxury car in hotel lobby

“By consistently posting every day, my following grew more and more. Influencers with large accounts reached out to me, and helped me by posting my content on their Instagram Stories. Much of my Instagram growth happened during the Maxim Cover Girl competition.”

- Lexi Kaleiia
Cover Girl 2023
Ballerina in black tutu captured mid-arabesque in monochrome

“Maxim Cover Girl truly helped me refine and learn advertising, networking and marketing skills in my own way, which was and is very beneficial no matter which way one goes in life. Shooting with Gilles and the entire team was truly magical and will forever be held in my heart.”

- Janel Tanna
Cover Girl 2018
Dancer in flowing pink dress spinning on studio floor

“Being on the cover of Maxim is such a huge honor for me. It’s a way for me to represent minorities and bring diversity to the fashion industry. The funny thing is that I signed up literally in the back seat of my dad’s car while we were on our way to the ice rink for practice.”

- Elizabeth Nguyen
Cover Girl 2019
Blonde model in black lingerie posing in high-contrast black and white

“When I competed for the Maxim Cover the world was essentially shut down. Fortunately, with incredible support from my family and friends -my dream came to fruition! It was such an exciting experience to go through and I will forever be grateful and proud to have graced such an iconic cover.”

- Jessica Carter
Cover Girl 2020

It’s Free & Easy to Sign up.

  • Upload your photos — Half-body and full-body shots tend to stand out the most.
  • Share a quick message telling people why they should vote for you—keep it authentic and memorable.
  • Follow @maximmag_covergirl on Instagram and TikTok @maxim.cover.girl to stay in the loop.
  • Want to get noticed? Post on TikTok or Instagram and tag #MaximEuroSummer to show us your vibe.

Competition Overview

1

Register

2

Public Voting
Tournament

3

Interview
Round

4

Final 5 Models,
Championship Vlog Round,
$2,500 cash,
Luxe Weekend Getaway

5

Grand Prize
$25K
  • Maxim Magazine Feature
  • Trip to Europe
  • Maxim Photoshoot

Professional Portfolio Photoshoot in NYC

Before you set foot in Europe, you’ll make a pit stop in America’s fashion capital—New York City. Step in front of the lens with a professional photographer who knows how to capture your best angles, best energy, and best self. This isn’t just a couple of quick snapshots. You’ll walk away with a fully polished, editorial-grade portfolio—perfect for your personal brand, social media, and future opportunities. Every shot will be magazine-worthy, and you’ll learn industry secrets for posing, styling, and looking camera-ready anywhere in the world.

How do I get votes?

Once you enter, you’ll get your own unique voting page to share. Followers and fans can cast free daily votes for you, and they can boost your chances by purchasing Maxim NEXT issues—every vote brings you closer to Europe.

The Maxim Cover Girl Panel

*Judges subject to change

Maxim cover shot of blonde model wearing dark ensemble
Jessica Carter
2020 Maxim Cover Girl, Hair Specialist

"The winner of any Maxim Cover Girl modeling competition should be striking and captivating. One of the most beautiful things about modeling is the personalization and uniqueness of each individual. There is no mold. Art and beauty is subjective, use your edge and compel us to choose you."

Female model in black sleeveless top smiling against dark studio background
Karin Agstam
Maxim Cover Stylist, Emmy Nominated Producer
"As a creative director, I’m always looking for models who bring something authentic and unique to their work. It’s not just about posing; it’s about using every moment in front of the camera to express who you are. I want to see personality shine through the images, that spark of creativity and desire that makes you unforgettable.

Stay true to your dream, set high goals and outline the actions that will lead you there. Remember that failing is a part of the learning process and that success is the result of consistency and hard work."
Black-and-white Maxim cover featuring a seated model
Lexi Kaleiia
2023 Maxim Cover Girl, Professional Model

"Model Photography is a form of expression, an art, it not only captures and freezes a moment in time but it has the potential to tell a compelling story. Use this competition to tell your story, make your images speak for themselves, have them say one thousand words from the very second someone lays eyes on them.

Be your authentic self, be unforgettable. Become the woman you strive to be and portray her using your skills as an elegant and powerful model. I’ll see you at the finish line, I wish every single one of you the best of luck."

Head-and-shoulders of an older man in a black shirt
Gilles Bensimon
World-Renowned Photographer

“I am looking for a Maxim cover girl who exudes confidence, sophistication, and has a magnetic presence.I want someone who embodies beauty, intelligence, and a strong sense of self.My ideal cover girl would be someone who embraces her individuality, radiates empowerment, and inspires others. She would represent the epitome of modern femininity but also have a touch of edginess and a dash of glamor that sets her apart from the rest,”

Maxim magazine cover featuring a model in dramatic lighting
Janel Tanna M.D.
2018 Maxim Cover Girl, Award Winning Actress, Producer and Model

"Becoming a part of Maxim is such a special piece of my story. Maxim embraces not only physical, but intellectual and artistic talents. All of what we do combines to make us who we are, and in turn is encompassed in our exterior. Caring about one's mission and health is important. Our own unique features make us beautiful. I see modeling as one's unique beauty, passion and soul combining to create art. Good luck ladies. Shine bright! You are all amazing in your own way."

Color Maxim cover with Asian model
Elizabeth Nguyen
2019 Maxim Cover Girl, U.S. Figure Skating Double Gold Medalist

"My biggest advice is to put yourself out there and share your goals openly with your community—don’t be afraid to ask for support and for people to vote for you.

I’ve decided to leave behind the fear of not measuring up, to fully embrace who I am, and to go after my dreams wholeheartedly. Modeling was always something I dreamed of but never thought possible. Now, I’m living that dream, and I hope others find the courage to pursue their own."

Portrait of smiling brunette woman wearing a black blazer
Deborah Altizio
Maxim Cover Makeup Artist, Award Winning Beauty Specialist

"Showcasing your potential for a cover means submitting both natural and creative photos to highlight your range. Let your energy and personality draw in the audience. Keep it fun, stay relaxed, and take care of your skin. Most importantly, let your confidence and unique essence radiate through every shot!"

What’s the Vlog Round?

Finalists must self-film their experience during a luxury weekend getaway. We’re looking for charisma, storytelling, and camera presence. Winner takes the crown.

Each finalist gets:

💵 $2,500
🏨 A luxe weekend getaway
🎯 One mission: Film everything.

Guidance from Maxim Insiders

From experienced models and past winners to Maxim editors and creative pros, you’ll gain access to a community built to elevate you. Get real advice on how to pose, shape your brand, and build lasting momentum in your modeling career—with support that’s present, personal, and proven.

How long does the contest run?

The competition unfolds over multiple rounds. Each round has its own cut-off date, so you’ll need to keep your audience engaged and voting for you daily to climb the ranks.